ALL-IN-ONE VEHICLE RUNNING BOARD

Abstract

An all-in-one vehicle running board includes a panel, a mounting part connected to a vehicle body, and a transmission part connecting the panel with the mounting part. The transmission part drives the panel to extend or retract. The transmission part includes at least two transmission mechanisms, one of which is provided with a drive mechanism. The mounting part includes an integral mounting bracket connected to the vehicle body and connection assemblies connecting the integral mounting bracket with the transmission mechanism. The vehicle running board can be conveniently integrally mounted onto the lower body panel of the vehicle via the integral mounting bracket and is stable in use. In addition, use of a main transmission mechanism in combination with an auxiliary transmission mechanism(s) prevents the running board from getting stuck when the drive mechanism fails, thereby allowing for more flexible and convenient use of the running board.

Claims

1. An all-in-one vehicle running board, comprising: a panel (1); a mounting part (2) configured to connect to a vehicle body; and a transmission part (3) configured to connect the panel (1) with the mounting part (2) and to drive the panel (1) to extend or retract, wherein the transmission part (3) comprises at least two transmission mechanisms (4), one of which being provided with a drive mechanism (5); and wherein the mounting part (2) comprises an integral mounting bracket (6) configured to connect to the vehicle body and connection assemblies (7) configured to connect the integral mounting bracket (6) with the transmission mechanisms (4).

2. The all-in-one vehicle running board of claim 1, wherein: the transmission mechanism (4) comprises: a first mounting base (8) configured to connect to the connection assembly (7), a second mounting base (9) configured to connect to the panel (1), and an oscillating arm (10) configured to connect the first mounting base (8) with the second mounting base (9); the oscillating arm (10) is rotatably connected to the first mounting base (8) through a first shaft (11) and is rotatably connected to the second mounting base (9) through a second shaft (12); and the drive mechanism (5) includes a drive motor (13), the transmission mechanism (4) having the drive mechanism (5) is a main transmission, a first shaft (11) of the main transmission is an output shaft of the drive motor (13) and is relatively fixedly connected to the oscillating arm (10) through a shaft fixing member (14), and the drive motor (13) is configured to drive the oscillating arm (10) to perform a reciprocating rotational motion to drive the panel (1) to extend or retract.

3. The all-in-one vehicle running board of claim 2, wherein the first mounting base (8) comprises: a first base body (15) connected to the connection assembly (7), a first side plate (16) and a second side plate (17) provided on two adjacent or opposite sides above the first base body (15), and a second base body (18) provided above the first side plate (16) and the second side plate (17), wherein the first base body (15) and the second base body (18) are arranged in parallel; and the oscillating arm (10) is rotatably connected between the first base body (15) and the second base body (18) through the first shaft (11).

4. The all-in-one vehicle running board of claim 3, wherein cushion members (19) are provided on inner sides of the first side plate (16) and the second side plate (17).

5. The all-in-one vehicle running board of claim 2, wherein: the panel (1) comprises a panel body (20) having a slide rail (21) at an end connected to the second mounting base (9); the second mounting base (9) is provided with a slide groove (22) configured to engage with the slide rail (21); and a fastening member (23) is provided at an engagement position.

6. The all-in-one vehicle running board of claim 5, wherein a light strip (24) is provided on the panel body (20). The all-in-one vehicle running board of claim 6, wherein: a light strip portion is provided on the panel body (20) to receive the light strip (24), a light strip protection bar (25) is provided above the light strip (24), top caps (26) are provided on the top of both ends of the panel body (20), and corner guards are arranged on both ends of the panel (1).

8. The all-in-one vehicle running board of claim 2, wherein: the connection assembly (7) comprises at least one vertical connection plate (27) and one lateral connection plate (28), the vertical connection plate (27) vertically connected to the lateral connection plate (28) at one end and connected to the integral mounting bracket (6) at the other end, the lateral connection plate (28) connected to the first mounting base (8), wherein included angles at two mounting positions of the vertical connection plate (27) are acute angles.

9. The all-in-one vehicle running board of claim 2, wherein: the output shaft of the drive motor (13) is provided with a positioning groove (29); the shaft fixing member (14) comprises a positioning block (30) and a positioning screw (31); and the oscillating arm (10) of the main transmission has a positioning block portion at one side, wherein when installed in the positioning block portion, the positioning block (30) is also located in the positioning groove (29), and wherein the positioning screw (31) is engaged with the positioning block (30) at the other end of the oscillating arm (10).

10. The all-in-one vehicle running board of claim 4, wherein: the cushion member (19) comprises a damping base (32) and a securing screw (33), the damping base (32) located on an inner side of the first side plate (16) or the second side plate (17), the securing screw (33) extending through the first side plate (16) or the second side plate (17) and connected to the damping base (32); and a damping pad (34) is provided on an inner side of the damping base (32).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 is a front view schematically illustrating an all-in-one vehicle running board;

[0029] FIG. 2 is an exploded view schematically illustrating a main transmission of a transmission mechanism;

[0030] FIG. 3 is a top view schematically illustrating a main transmission of a transmission mechanism;

[0031] FIG. 4 is an exploded view schematically illustrating an auxiliary transmission of a transmission mechanism;

[0032] FIG. 5 is a top view schematically illustrating an auxiliary transmission of a transmission mechanism; and

[0033] FIG. 6 is an exploded view schematically illustrating a panel of an all-in-one vehicle running board.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0034] 1—panel; 2—mounting part; 3—transmission part; 4—transmission mechanism; 5—drive mechanism; 6—integral mounting bracket; 7—connection assembly; 8—first mounting base; 9—second mounting base; 10—oscillating arm; 11—first shaft; 12—second shaft; 13—drive motor; 14—shaft fixing member; 15—first base body; 16—first side plate; 17—second side plate; 18—second base body; 19—cushion member; 20—panel body; 21—slide rail; 22—slide groove; 23—fastening member; 24—light strip; 25—light strip protection bar; 26—top cap; 27—vertical connection plate; 28—lateral connection plate; 29—positioning groove; 30—positioning block; 31—positioning screw; 32—damping base; 33—securing screw; 34—damping pad.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present invention will be described in detail below by way of examples. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the following embodiments are only intended to illustrate the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. If specific conditions are not indicated in the embodiments, the embodiments are to be understood as being carried out under conventional conditions or conditions suggested by the manufacturers. Reagents or devices used herein without manufacturers being specified are to be understood as conventional products available in the market. The particular embodiments described herein are only intended to illustrate the principle of the present invention, and not to limit the present invention.

[0036] In order to address the problems that existing running boards tend to become loose from their mounting positions due to the two-point or three-point mounting manner and are prone to get stuck and result in frequent maintenance and shortened product life, the present invention provides an all-in-one vehicle running board as shown in FIG. 1. The all-in-one vehicle running board comprises a panel 1, a mounting part 2 configured to connect to a vehicle body, and a transmission part 3 configured to connect the panel 1 with the mounting part 2. The transmission part 3 is configured to drive the panel 1 to extend or retract. The transmission part 3 comprises at least two transmission mechanisms 4, one of which is provided with a drive mechanism 5. The mounting part 2 comprises an integral mounting bracket 6 configured to connect to the vehicle body and connection assemblies 7 configured to connect the integral mounting bracket 6 with the transmission mechanisms 4.

[0037] The at least two transmission mechanisms 4 ensure improved stability, and the two transmission mechanisms 4 are mounted on one integral mounting bracket 6, which in turn is connected to the body of the vehicle. The integral mounting bracket 6 is easy to mount and has strong stability. When a part of the integral mounting bracket is loose, its overall stability in use would not be affected. When stability is affected, safety would not be affected, which provides sufficient time for re-adjustment and provides higher safety. The integral mounting bracket 6 is connected to the transmission mechanisms 4 through the connection assemblies 7. The connection assemblies 7 allow for adjustment of the angle or the deployed and stowed distances, so that the running board can be flexibly and conveniently operated and can be applied to vehicles of various models.

[0038] One of the at least two transmission mechanisms 4 is provided with a drive mechanism 5, referred to as a main transmission. A transmission mechanism 4 not provided with a drive mechanism 5 is referred to as an auxiliary transmission. The main transmission can be used with an auxiliary transmission. Alternatively, the main transmission can be used with an auxiliary transmission at each of its both sides. The latter is preferred, which is more stable. When the drive mechanism 5 is not working due to failure of its power, the panel 1 can be pulled to be extended or retracted, and the running board can be fixed for use. Running boards are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides of the vehicle. On the one hand, the vehicle running board is integrally mounted onto the lower body panel of the vehicle via the integral mounting bracket 6, such that it is stable in use and is easy to mount. On the other hand, the use of the main transmission mechanism 4 in combination with the auxiliary transmission mechanism(s) 4 prevents the running board from being stuck when the drive mechanism 5 fails, allowing for more flexible and convenient use of the running board.

[0039] FIGS. 2 to 5 schematically illustrates transmission mechanisms 4. The transmission mechanisms 4 include a main transmission and an auxiliary transmission(s). The main transmission is similar to the auxiliary transmission, with the addition of a drive mechanism 5. The transmission mechanism 4 includes: a first mounting base 8 connected to the connection assembly 7, a second mounting base 9 connected to the panel 1, and an oscillating arm 10 connecting the first mounting base 8 with the second mounting base 9. The oscillating arm 10 is rotatably connected to the first mounting base 8 through a first shaft 11, and is rotatably connected to the second mounting base 9 through a second shaft 12.

[0040] The drive mechanism 5 includes a drive motor 13. The drive motor 13 is connected to a gearbox. The drive motor 13 may be selected as an oscillating arm motor, and a common oscillating arm motor in the market can be selected depending on requirements. The transmission mechanism 4 having the drive mechanism 5 is a main transmission, and a first shaft 11 of the main transmission is an output shaft of the drive motor 13. The output shaft of the drive motor 13 is relatively fixedly connected to the oscillating arm 10 through a shaft fixing member 14. The drive motor 13 is configured to drive the oscillating arm 10 to perform a reciprocating rotational motion so as to drive the panel 1 to extend or retract.

[0041] The first shaft 11 and the first mounting base 8 may be connected via a shaft sleeve and a spacer, and the second shaft 12 and the second mounting base 9 may also be connected via a shaft sleeve and a spacer. The sleeves and spacers stabilize the rotational connection and increase the service lifetime of the running board. The spacer can be a tetrafluoroethylene spacer made of tetrafluoroethylene, which has self-lubricating function, is resistant to corrosion and high temperature and is cost effective.

[0042] The oscillating arm 10 is driven by the drive motor 13 to perform the reciprocating rotational motion, so that the oscillating arm 10 drives the panel 1 to extend or to retract so as to assist passengers in entering and exiting the vehicle.

[0043] The first mounting base 8 includes a first base body 15 connected to a connection assembly 7. A first side plate 16 and a second side plate 17 are provided respectively on two adjacent or opposite sides above the first base body 15. A second base body 18 is provided above the first side plate 16 and the second side plate 17. The first base body 15 and the second base body 18 are arranged in parallel. The oscillating arm 10 is rotatably connected between the first base body 15 and the second base body 18 through the first shaft 11.

[0044] The first side plate 16 and the second side plate 17 are adapted to limit the rotation of the oscillating arm 10. The degrees of the angle between the first side plate 16 and the second side plate 17 can be set as required to meet the needs of more occasions for running boards. When used in a large vehicle such as an SUV or a bus, the panel 1 needs to be extended a large distance, resulting in a long extension and retraction course. At this point, it is appropriate that the angle between the first side plate 16 and the second side plate 17 is an obtuse angle, which can be adjusted depending on different vehicle models.

[0045] In order to increase stability, the drive motor 13 is connected to the first base body 15 through screws.

[0046] In order to avoid noise and abrasion caused by collision of the oscillating arm 10 with the first side plate 16 or the second side plate 17 when the oscillating arm is at the fully extended or retracted position, cushion members 19 are provided on inner sides of the first side plate 16 and the second side plate 17 to improve usage in comfort and reduce abrasion.

[0047] The cushion members 19 may be in various forms. Due to frequent collisions, the cushion members 19 are to be replaced regularly. Therefore, the cushion members 19 should have a stable structure, provide good cushioning effect, and be easy to mount or replace. Preferably, the cushion member 19 comprises a damping base 32 and a securing screw 33. The damping base 32 is located on the inner side of the first side plate 16 or the second side plate 17. The securing screw 33 penetrates through the first side plate 16 or the second side plate 17 and is connected to the damping base 32. A damping pad 34 is provided on the inner side of the damping base 32.

[0048] The damping base 32 is movably connected to the first side plate 16 or the second side plate 17 through the securing screw 33. The damping base 32 is provided with the damping pad 34 on its inner side. Such connection enables the damping base to be easily and conveniently replaced and to offer better cushioning. When the angle of the oscillating arm 10 needs to be fine-tuned, the fine-tune can also be implemented by adjusting the securing screw 33.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 6, the panel 1 comprises a panel body 20 that has a slide rail 21 at an end connected to the second mounting base 9. The second mounting base 9 is provided with a slide groove 22 configured to engage with the slide rail 21. A fastening member 23 is provided at the engagement position.

[0050] The panel 1 is connected to the second mounting base 9 through the engagement of the slide rail 21 and the slide groove 22. The panel's mounting can be adjusted depending on vehicle models. After completion of adjustment, the panel 1 can be secured by the fastening member 23. The fastening member 23 may be a bolt and nut arrangement, a rubber sticking member or other means for fastening the panel.

[0051] A light strip(s) 24 is/are provided on the panel body 20 to provide prompt for passengers to use the running board safely. The light strip 24 can be arranged on the top of the body 20 of the running board to make the prompt more conspicuous. The light strip 24 can also be arranged under the body 20 of the running board to illuminate the road that passengers are about to step on when they exit the vehicle, so as to prevent passengers from stepping on water or dirt.

[0052] When the light strip 24 is positioned above the panel body 20, a light strip portion is provided on the upper side of the panel body 20 to receive the light strip 24. A light strip protection bar 25 is then arranged above the light strip 24. The light strip protection bar 25 can additionally provide improved comfort for passengers' eyes. Top caps 26 are provided on the top of the panel body 20 at its both ends. Corner guards are arranged on both ends of the panel 1.

[0053] When the light strip 24 is positioned below the panel body 20, a light strip portion is arranged on the lower side of the panel body 20 and the light strip 24 is placed in the light strip portion. A light strip protection bar 25 is then provided below the light strip 24 for protecting the light strip 24.

[0054] The panel body 20 should provide sufficient load-bearing. The panel body 20 may be made of materials selecting from stainless steel or aluminum alloy. The light strip protection bar 25 can be a stainless steel bar hollow in the middle or a stainless steel bar inlaid with transparent glass or colored glass in the middle. The panel body 20, the light strip 24 and the light strip protection bar 25 are limited by the top caps 26 arranged on both sides, and then positioned by the corner guards on both sides of the panel 1 for installation. The corner guards are made of aluminum alloy or plastic, which has a tight fit.

[0055] The connection assemblies 7 allow for adjustment of the angle or the extended and retracted distances, so that the running board can be flexibly and conveniently operated and can be applied to vehicles of various models. The connection assembly 7 comprises at least one vertical connection plate 27 and one lateral connection plate 28. The vertical connection plate 27 is vertically connected at one end to the lateral connection plate 28, and is connected to the integral mounting bracket 6 at the other end. The lateral connection plate 28 is connected to the first mounting base 8. The included angles at the two mounting positions of the vertical connection plate 27 are acute angles.

[0056] The connection assembly 7 is fixed on both sides by means of screws. Adjustment of the angles of the two mounting positions of the vertical connection plate 27 can meet various requirements for running boards. The use of the connection assemblies allow the running board to be more flexibly connected and easily adjusted.

[0057] The output shaft of the drive motor 13 is provided with a positioning groove 29. The shaft fixing member 14 includes a positioning block 30 and a positioning screw 31. The oscillating arm 10 of the main transmission has a positioning block portion at one side. When installed in the positioning block portion, the positioning block 30 is also located in the positioning groove 29. The positioning screw 31 is engaged with the positioning block 30 at the other end of the oscillating arm 10.

[0058] A through hole is provided on the oscillating arm 10. The through hole has a large diameter on one end and a small diameter on the other end. The positioning block portion is arranged at the large diameter end. After being placed at the positioning block portion, the positioning block 30 is just located in the positioning groove 29 of the output shaft of the drive motor 13, and then pass through the through hole and is engaged with the positioning screw 31 at the small diameter end, so that the drive motor 13 is relatively fixedly connected to the oscillating arm 10 of the main transmission.

[0059] Operation Process: in installation, appropriate angles of the oscillating arm 10 and the connection assemblies 7 are selected according to requirements for using the running boards with respect to different vehicle models. Firstly, the transmission mechanisms 4 are installed. The first mounting base 8 is installed, wherein the first base body 15, the first side plate 16, the second side plate 17 and the second base body 18 are integrally formed or assembled together for installation. Cushion members 19 are mounted on the inner side of the first side plate 16 and second side plate 17. The oscillating arm 10 is connected to the first mounting base 8 through the first shaft 11, and the oscillating arm 10 is connected to the second mounting base 9 through the second shaft 12. The first shaft 11 for the transmission mechanism 4 provided with a drive mechanism 5 is replaced with the output shaft of the drive motor 13. The drive motor 13 is connected to the first base body 15 by bolts. Next, the first mounting bases 8 are connected to the integral mounting bracket 6 through connection assemblies 7. The second mounting base 9 is connected to the panel 1 through the snap connection of the slide rail. At last, the integral mounting bracket 6 is integrally mounted onto the bottom of the vehicle body.

[0060] When one entering or exiting a vehicle, the vehicle door is opened, the drive motor 13 is activated, and the oscillating arm 10 is driven by the drive motor 13 to rotate, so as to drive the panel 1 to be deployed from the bottom of the vehicle body. After the door is closed, the panel 1 is stowed to the bottom of the vehicle body.

[0061] In summary, the present invention provides an all-in-one vehicle running board, so as to solve the problems that existing running boards are easy to become loosen from their mounting positions due to the two-point or three-point mounting arrangements and are prone to get stuck and consequently result in frequent maintenance and shortened product life. On the one hand, the vehicle running board is integrally mounted onto the lower body panel of the vehicle via the integral mounting bracket 6, such that it is stable in use and is easy to mount. On the other hand, the use of the main transmission mechanism 4 in combination with the auxiliary transmission mechanism(s) 4 prevents the running board from being stuck when the drive mechanism 5 fails, allowing for more flexible and convenient use of the running board.

[0062] Specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with terms used herein such as “an embodiment,” “an example,” or “a specific example” are intended to be comprised in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. Reference to the above terms used herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0063] The above preferred embodiments of the present invention are provided only to illustrate the present invention. The preferred embodiments do not describe all the details and are not intended to limit the invention. Apparently, modifications and variations are possible in the light of the content described herein. These embodiments are selected and described herein in order to better explain the principles and practical applications of the present invention, so that those skilled in the art can well understand and practice the present invention. The present invention is to be limited only by the claims and their whole scope and equivalents.